Tool securing mechanism for hangtag assembly

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for securing a tool to a hangtag is provided. A method for securing the tool is also provided. The invention particularly pertains to a hangtag assembly that includes a fastening mechanism for securing a tool having a shank portion, such as a socket driver. The hangtag has a body portion, and a hanging mechanism connected to the body portion. The hangtag also has a tool fastening mechanism for securely attaching a tool to the hangtag. The tool fastening mechanism includes one or more pairs of through-openings, and one or more ties, wherein each tie is wove around the shank of the tool and through a respective pair of through-openings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to tools and tool accessories. The invention more particularly relates to hangtags for supporting and displaying tools. Still further, the invention pertains to a hangtag that includes a fastening mechanism for attaching a tool having an elongated shank.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] In the tool industry, it is desirable to display tools in an organized and presentable manner. One way in which this has been done is through the use of hangtags. Hangtags allow individual tools to be supported and displayed, such as in a retail environment.

[0005]FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary tool 10 that may be hung from a hangtag assembly. In this exemplary view, the tool 10 is a socket driver. As shown, the socket driver 10 includes a handle portion 12 having a shoulder 13 at one end, an elongated shank 14 protruding from the shoulder 12, and a drive member or “head” 11 disposed at a distal end. Socket drivers 10 are typically configured to fit tightly around and rotate a nut, bolt, or other type of fastener (not shown) in a deep or narrow recess by manually or automatically rotating the socket driver 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the drive member 11 includes a hexagonal opening designed to fit around a bolt or nut of a particular diameter.

[0006] It is known to attach a tool to a hangtag as a means of retail display. However, in some instances it is difficult to attach the tool in a secure manner. This is particularly true in the case of tools having an elongated shank, such as screwdriver or such as the socket driver 10 shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, a need exists for a hangtag having a securing or fastening mechanism for securely supporting a tool in such a manner that a large amount of force is required to detach the tool from the hangtag. Difficulty in releasing the tool from the hangtag is desired to decrease the probability of the tool being inadvertently released from the hangtag, and to reduce theft in a retail environment.

[0007] There is also a need to shorten the length of currently used hangtags. In this respect, it is necessary to include labeling on the hangtags in order to provide product descriptions, product specifications, and marketing information. This information has typically been placed in an area between the head of the tool and the hanging hole. Thus, a need exists for an offset surface, or “bridge,” for placing retail information while conserving the length of material for the hangtag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A hangtag assembly is provided for hanging a tool. More particularly, a hangtag assembly is provided for hanging a tool having a shank portion. The hangtag assembly first comprises a body portion. The body portion has a front surface and a back surface. The hanging mechanism is operatively connected to the body portion. The hangtag assembly next comprises a tool fastening mechanism. In one arrangement, the tool fastening mechanism is disposed on a planar surface offset from the front surface of the body portion of the hangtag. The tool fastening mechanism comprises one or more pairs of through-openings. Each pair of through-openings is configured to receive a respective tie.

[0009] In operation, the shank of the tool is placed adjacent the tool fastening mechanism of the hangtag assembly. A cable tie is then wrapped around the shank of the tool, and is then run through the through-openings. The tie is then tightened and its ends are fastened. In this manner, the tool is securely affixed to the hangtag assembly.

[0010] It is preferred that the tool fastening mechanism include more than one pair of through-openings along the shank of the tool. This prevents the tool from rotationally moving relative to the hangtag. It is also preferred that the cable ties be received within a recess in the planar surface of the hangtag. A label may then be placed over the front of the planar surface to provide a more aesthetic appearance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings (FIGS. 2-7). It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0012]FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary tool well known in the tool industry. The tool is a socket driver. The tool includes a handle portion, a head portion, and an elongated shank therebetween.

[0013]FIG. 2 presents a perspective frontal view of a hangtag as might be used to support and display a single tool product. A tool fastening mechanism is shown on the hangtag supporting an exemplary socket driver. The socket driver is shown in phantom.

[0014]FIG. 3 provides an elevational front view of a hangtag assembly and fastening mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this view, the socket driver of FIG. 1 is again shown in phantom.

[0015]FIG. 4 illustrates an elevational side view of the hangtag and the fastening mechanism of FIG. 3. The socket driver is once again shown in phantom

[0016]FIG. 5 provides a schematic view of a backside of the hangtag and fastening mechanism of FIG. 3. The socket driver is shown in phantom.

[0017]FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a topside of the hangtag and fastening mechanism of FIG. 3. The socket driver is again shown in phantom.

[0018]FIG. 7 provides a schematic view of a bottom side of the hangtag of FIG. 3. The socket driver of FIG. 1 is not shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus for supporting a tool 10, such as socket driver 10 from FIG. 1, on a hangtag assembly 50. Particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a hangtag 50 having a fastening mechanism 20 for temporarily securing a tool 10 having with a shank portion.

[0020]FIG. 2 presents a perspective frontal view of a hangtag 50 that can be used to support and display a single tool product. The socket driver 10 from FIG. 1 is shown in phantom as the tool product. It is understood that the tool 10 is demonstrative, and that any tool having an elongated shank 14 may be supported by the hangtag 50 of the present invention.

[0021] The hangtag 50 first comprises a main body 54. The body 54 is generally planar, but optionally includes an upper concave portion 55 for displaying a first label. The upper concave portion 55 provides an attractive, ornamental labeling surface. Typically, the first label will present the house mark under which the tool product is sold. The body 54 optionally also comprises a planar surface 56 that is offset from the body 54. In one arrangement, the offset planar surface 56 defines a lower labeling portion 56. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the lower labeling surface 56 is offset a particular distance from the body 54 and is substantially parallel to the body 54. The lower labeling portion 56 allows a label 57 describing the product 10 itself to be affixed in an ornamental and pleasing manner. Furthermore, placing a label 57 on the lower labeling portion 56 can serve to conceal a tool securing mechanism 20 disposed along the hangtag 50.

[0022] In the exemplary hangtag 50 of FIG. 2, the product 10 is a socket driver. The socket driver 10 is supported by a tool fastening mechanism (at 20 in FIGS. 3 and 5). The tool fastening mechanism 20 allows the tool 10 to be securely held to the hangtag 50 in a retail environment, but to be detached from the hangtag 50 once the tool 10 has been purchased by a customer.

[0023] At the top of the body 54, a hanging mechanism 52 is provided. The hanging mechanism 52 includes a through-opening 53 for receiving a hook (not shown). The hook, in turn, is configured to be attached to a display panel (also not shown). In practice, a number of hooks are disposed along a display panel, permitting various hangtags 50 supporting various products 10 to be presented to the customer in a retail environment.

[0024]FIG. 3 provides an elevational view of a front side of a hangtag assembly 50 and fastening mechanism 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The tool 10 is again shown in phantom. The fastening mechanism 20 is disposed at a lower portion of the hangtag assembly 50. As shown in FIG. 3, the fastening mechanism 20 is designed to firmly secure a socket driver 10. However, it is again understood that other tools with a shank, such as a screwdriver or a wrench, can be adequately secured by the fastening mechanism 20 according to the present invention. Preferably, tools having an elongated shank with a head and a shoulder disposed at opposing ends of the shank, wherein the head and the shoulder have a larger diameter or width than the shank diameter or width, can be ideally fastened using the present invention. This configuration of the tool 10 having a shank 14, a driver head 11, and a shoulder 13, as shown in FIG. 3, enhances the securing capabilities of the tool 10 by providing a blockade at each end of the shank, thereby preventing the tool from being pulled out from the fastening mechanism 20 by overcoming the frictional forces provided by the fastening mechanism 20.

[0025] It should also be noted at this point that, for purposes of the present disclosure, the term “shank” includes any intermediate portion of a tool between a handle portion and a head member. By way of additional example, and not limitation, the shank may include the intermediate portions of groove joint pliers or channel locks (not shown) between the two handles and the respective gripping heads.

[0026] Referring again to FIG. 3, the label 57 placed on the lower labeling surface 56 is not shown so as to illustrate in more detail the fastening mechanism 20. The fastening mechanism 20 comprises at least one recess 26. In the arrangement of FIG. 3, the fastening mechanism 20 comprises an upper horizontal recess 26 and a lower horizontal recess 27 disposed on the lower labeling surface 56. Each recess 26, 27 includes a pair of through-openings 24 and 25, respectively. The through-openings 24, 25 allow a cable tie or “zip” tie to be disposed through each opening and fastened around a tool 10 disposed behind the lower labeling surface 56. Although two cable ties 21, 22 are shown in FIG. 3, it is understood that any number of cable ties and recesses with opposed through-openings including only one can be used in the fastening mechanism 20 to secure a tool 10 to the hangtag 50. The respective cable ties 21, 22 provide the necessary frictional force to the shank 14 of the tool 10 to firmly secure the tool 10 in position within the hangtag 50.

[0027]FIG. 4 provides a side elevational view of the hangtag assembly 50. The socket driver 10 is again shown in phantom as attached to the hangtag 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the hangtag body 54 includes a recessed portion 60 protruding from the backside 61 of the hangtag assembly 50. The recessed portion 60 is designed to allow the head 11 of the tool 10 to be received within the hangtag assembly 50. The recessed portion 60 allows the head 11 of the tool 10 to be adjusted axially without chafing the hangtag body 54, thereby preventing damage to the hangtag body 54.

[0028]FIG. 5 provides an elevational view of the backside of the hangtag assembly 50 and fastening mechanism 20, with the attached tool 10 again shown in phantom. As shown in FIG. 5, the two cable ties 21, 22 are disposed around the shank 14 of the tool 10, thereby securing the tool 10 to the hangtag assembly 50 through the pair of through-openings 24, 25. Two cable ties 21, 22 are shown zipped through the respective through-openings 24, 25, which are, as previously described, disposed on the offset, lower labeling surface 56. Each cable tie 21, 22 includes a retaining member 70. The retaining member 70 allows each cable tie 21, 22 to be shortened to a particular size and to retain that size, thereby preventing the cable ties 21, 22 from loosening during the time period that the tool 10 is attached to the hangtag assembly 50. Excess length of the cable ties 21, 22 may optionally be cut.

[0029] Although only one cable tie is required to fasten the tool 10 to the hangtag 50, it is advantageous to incorporate two or more cable ties into the fastening mechanism 20. Having two or more cable ties prevents the tool 10 from pivoting away from the backside of the lower labeling surface 56. Accordingly, having two or more cable ties will enhance the fastening mechanism's 20 ability to retain the tool in a desired position.

[0030]FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the hangtag assembly 50. The tool 10 is shown in phantom. The hexagonal opening on the driver head 11 is more clearly shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the driver head 11 is disposed between the recessed portion 60 and the lower labeling portion 56. The lower labeling portion 56 includes a first planar portion 66 having an arcuate through-opening 65 designed to receive the driver head 11. The through-opening 65 has a curved profile formed by the first planar portion 66 and the lower edge of the recessed portion 60.

[0031]FIG. 7 provides a bottom view of the hangtag assembly 50. The tool 10 is not shown in FIG. 7. The lower labeling portion 56 also includes a second planar portion 68. As in the first planar portion 66, the second planar portion 68 includes a curved through-opening 67 designed to receive the tool 10. The through-opening 67 is shown as having an open end on the edge of the second planar portion 68. The open edge allows a tool 10 having a head 11 with larger diameter than its shank 14 to be inserted into the hangtag assembly 50. The size of the arcuate portion 60 that protrudes from the backside 61 of the hangtag 50 and the size of the through-openings 65, 67 are configured specifically to receive the particular tool 10 desired for attachment to the hangtag 50.

[0032] In operation, the shank 14 of a tool, e.g., tool 10, is placed adjacent the tool fastening mechanism 20 of a hangtag assembly 50. Cable ties 21, 22 are then wrapped around the shank 14 of the tool 10, and are wove through the opposing respective through-openings 24, 25. The ties 21, 22 are then tightened and the ends are fastened. In this manner, the tool 10 is securely affixed to the hangtag assembly 50.

[0033] It is preferred that the cable ties 21, 22 be received within respective recesses 26, 27 in a planar surface of the hangtag 50. A label may then be placed over the front of the planar surface to provide a more aesthetic appearance.

[0034] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. 

1. A hangtag assembly for hanging a tool, the tool having a shank portion, and the hangtag assembly comprising: a body portion having a front surface and a back surface; a hanging mechanism connected to the body portion; and a tool fastening mechanism comprising at least one pair of through-openings, the at least one pair of through-openings being configured to each receive a respective tie such that the tie may be wrapped around the shank portion of the tool and wove through the respective through-openings.
 2. The hangtag assembly of claim 1, further comprising a planar surface offset from the front surface of the body portion, with the at least one pair of through-openings being disposed within the planar surface.
 3. The hangtag assembly of claim 2, wherein each pair of through-openings is disposed on a respective recess formed on the planar surface substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the tool.
 4. The hangtag assembly of claim 3, wherein the planar surface is substantially parallel to the front surface of the body portion.
 5. The hangtag assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more ties defines a cable tie comprising a retaining member.
 6. The hangtag assembly of claim 4, further comprising a label placed on the planar surface, thereby concealing the one or more recesses, the one or more pairs of through-openings, and the one or more respective ties.
 7. The hangtag assembly of claim 1, wherein the tool is a socket driver.
 8. The hangtag assembly of claim 1, wherein the tool is a screwdriver.
 9. The hangtag assembly of claim 1, wherein the tool is a wrench.
 10. A method of hanging a tool from a hangtag assembly, the tool having a shank portion, and the hangtag assembly having a body portion and a hanging mechanism connected to the body portion, the method comprising: providing a tool fastening mechanism on the body portion of the hangtag assembly, the tool fastening mechanism comprising at least one pair of through-openings, the at least one pair of through-openings being configured to each receive a respective tie such that the tie may be wrapped around the shank portion of the tool and wove through the respective through-openings one or more ties; wherein each tie is disposed through a respective pair of through-openings; placing the shank portion of the tool adjacent the tool fastening mechanism; weaving a tie through each of the at least one pairs of through-openings; tightening each of the respective ties around the shank portion of the tool; and fastening each of the at least one ties around the shank portion of the tool.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the hangtag assembly further comprises a planar surface offset from the front surface of the body portion, with the at least one pair of through-openings being disposed within the planar surface; and the step of placing the shank portion of the tool adjacent the tool fastening mechanism further comprises inserting the tool into the hangtag assembly between the planar surface and the body portion.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein each pair of through-openings is disposed on a respective recess formed on the planar surface substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the tool.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the planar surface is substantially parallel to the front surface of the body portion.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the one or more ties defines a cable tie comprising a retaining member.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising a label placed on the planar surface, thereby concealing the one or more recesses, the one or more pairs of through-openings, and the one or more respective ties.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the tool is a socket driver.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the tool is a screwdriver. 